Thank you all for being so patient, my studies went well which means I now have less work load. Last nights episode was a bit of a shocker for me as well as completely devastating. As it might have been for you as well. I find it hard to believe that Alicia and Zach's relationship has turned to somewhat of the worst and I hope it gets fixed soon. I'm not a big fan of this chapter, just because it seems out of place but I had to get it out of the way in order to write the next one which I hope you enjoy!

Waking up to another's embrace felt wonderful and beautiful all in one emotion. It had been so long since she could recall waking up to a pair of warm, comfy arms wrapped around her and the feeling of soft breathing against the crown of her head. Opening her eyes, she took in her and Will's form. They were both laying on their sides, except, facing each other, she had her face against his chest, just the tip of her nose was touching his chest above his breast and his nose was nestled in her hair. Somehow she had scooted down slightly whilst sleeping as her face clashed against his chest. They had their arms wrapped around each other and as she took a peak outside the window, it was barely sunrise.

Recalling the events that had taken the day before she cringed, still knowing that her son was still in hospital, alone, she started to gather herself, until her eyes fell on the clock. It was only 5.30 and she figured she could at least bath in fifteen minutes of pure bliss. She smiled as she recalled the night before.

"Come to my law firm and work with me"

She gazed up at him, furrowing her brows in puzzlement. "What?" she yawned tiredly

"Come to Lockhart Gardner and work with us" he repeated, this time sounding more confident

"You're funny Gardner" she patted his chest

He tilted his head down to get better access. "I'm serious. Diane brought it up earlier today, I think she saw you in court the other day and the Cavanaugh charms got to her"

"The Cavanaugh charms?" she laughed

"And also the fact that you hold clients over ten million in billing" he added causing her to chuckle

She suppressed a loud yawn before snuggling more into the quilt, slowly shutting her eyes. "will you at least think about it?" she heard Will whisper softly in her ear

She hummed in confirmation. "Okay" she already felt herself drifting off to sleep.

"Okay" he replied, sighing in somewhat of relief.

Smiling as she recollected the memory, she tilted her head slightly to glance up at him, taking in the sight of him sleeping peacefully. She felt herself falling for him even more now that they were here, together, asleep, holding each other tight and barely hanging off the bed because her daughter was splayed out against the other side, in which throughout the night she could vaguely feel Grace shuffling the sheets every five minutes as she slept. It wasn't exactly the best sleep or at any rate long enough for her to start the day feeling exhilarated, bearing in mind that she had subjected at least three hours of sleep but it was still great to wake up to the man she loved.

She slowly pulled out of Will's embrace, leaning over to grasp the nightstand, she missed it and instead fell straight back on her bottom hitting the ground, making a racket as she hit the floor.

Moaning in slight pain and exhaustion she placed her hand on her head and glanced up to see Will, squinting down at her, the latest commotion obviously awaking him. She watched as a tired smile spread across his features before he started giggling.

"Are you alright?" he said, in between laughs

She took his offer of a hand, standing up she rubbed her head and slapped him as he was still giggling up at her. Stirring her eyelids she straightened her rather uncomfortable suit into place and slipped into her heels, not until she felt Will's hand touch hers as he began to pull her against him. She rested her body in between his legs as he was sitting on the bed and leant in to kiss him. The sleepiness in his sultry eyes was still visible but that hadn't prevented him from kissing her equally passionate.

"About last night" he said against her lips

"I meant it" she said, breathless

"I know, and I can't wait to tell the kids about us but I think we need to, create some boundaries here"

She pulled away from his face, staring quizzically. "Boundaries? You're talking to me about boundaries?" she said in mock horror

"If you're going to work for me I can't have my newest colleague's tongue down my throat" he grinned

Slapping him against the shoulder, this time hard, she shook her head in amusement. "You are so juvenile. I am not working for you"

-"You aren't working for me yet" he reiterated

"No Will, I am never going to move to your firm, I will not be criticised for sleeping with the boss. It's the most unethical out of all things corrupt"

"Hey! You said you would think about it" he pouted, causing her to grin

"Yes and I have thought about it and the answer is no"

"You haven't had enough time to think about it that's all"

-"Will" she sighed. Gazing down at him, she knew that this was one of those dilemmas that was going to be stuck in Will Gardner's mind until she would give in. Persistency was a bitch.

"I'll think about it" she sighed, chuckling to herself as she absorbed the wide smile spread across his face.

"Good, in the meantime, you can kiss be back to piece. I've had a pretty rough night you know"

"I walked right into that one didn't I?" she grinned, taking in the nod that he perceived, she cupped his face and let herself lean into him, giving into the passion.

Eventually, they pulled way as she pushed him against the bed, tucking the blanket over him she brushed one more kiss against his lips. "Get some more sleep, you'll need it"

"Okay mom" he teased much to her amusement.

Walking to the other side, she sat beside Grace, pushing her brown curls out of the way and the sweat that was beading on her forehead she bowed in to place soft kisses against Grace's cheek before standing up and blowing Will one last kiss, including a small wink.

"We'll see you soon" Will yawned

"I love you" she smiled as she stood between the door gazing over at him. Feeling the overwhelming sensation of knowing how wonderful and foreign those words sounded to her ears and knowing just how lucky she was to feel them it made her feel grateful. Even though her life was currently all chaos, knowing that she had a wonderful, disoriented, but wonderful family, two beautiful children and a man that took care of her and all the baggage that came with it, she considered herself lucky to have such a steady life.

"Love you too" he said, throwing her an adorable loving smile before yawning and rubbing his eyelids in tiredness. Leaving them, she walked out of his apartment with a smile playing on her lips.

/

He woke up hours later to the sound of small whimpers next to him. Turning on his side to face the little girl that was currently lying on her back, covering her eyes, fully awake with tears falling down her cheeks.

"Hey, hey" he hushed her, sitting up he ran his hand along her arm trying to tame her just as Alicia would.

"Sshhh, Grace, it's me Will"

Opening her eyes he watched as she took in her surroundings, gazing around, obviously terrified at her new, foreign environment that was now placed around her. "Mommy" she whimpered

"Its okay sweetheart, we're going to see mommy soon, remember? She's at the hospital with Zach"

Lifting Grace up into his arms as she happily settled into his embrace he softly stroked her hair, the whimpers soon stopped but by then, he fully grasped the fact that she was wide awake. Glancing over at the clock he took in the time. 7.47. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept in so late, he would usually be in the office about now, it caused him to appreciate the fact that he was the boss and was able to arrive in any time he desired. Glancing back down he watched as Grace's face had a slight tint to it and the sadness showing through her eyes causing his face to falter.

"How about some of my yummy pancakes huh? The ones that your mom likes?" he compromised, grinning as a wide, tired smile spread across her features.

She nodded happily and followed him towards the kitchen, setting her on the stool beside the counter he noted her gaze around his apartment for the first time.

"You have a big place Will" Smiling at her words, he pecked her forehead with a light kiss before placing the bowl of raspberries and cup of juice on the counter, turning his attention back to the pancakes he took a minute to acknowledge the four year olds words.

His apartment was four bedrooms; he had gotten it on discount a few years back due to the amount of rooms placed in the apartment and that his original idea was less considering he didn't need the extra three. Refurnishing the walls, renewing the kitchen area and creating him an office, it turned out to be quite the cosy, stylish pad but it was always meant for a family, a family that Will didn't have and he was starting to consider now.

Feeding Grace her rather delicious and non-nutritious meal he let her bath before dressing her in his niece's clothes, first pumping at the fact that Grace fitted into them perfectly whilst trying his best at coaming her curls into place and setting it on top of her head. Leaving her on the couch as she ate slices of apples and watched my little pony he rushed off towards the shower and let himself sink in to the heat. The love that he and Alicia shared just hours ago and the cuddles he gained from Grace this morning reduced his adrenaline ten times greater but he still felt physically exhausted, although he did wonder what it would feel like to wake up to this every morning, kisses from Alicia, cuddles from Zach and Grace, rushing around accomplishing chores whilst getting himself ready, he knew it would be draining to his normal routine but in retrospect, it would also give him an idea of what he wanted in life.

That was the problem with Will, for so many years he was unable to feel, he had no idea what he wanted exactly from life, working was a void to fill the length of his time, inviting a woman over to his place was on an occasional occurrence and living inside the life of a man who had money in the bank, had a good job and supportive family that lived halfway across the country was something he enjoyed, until now. Right, now he came to recognise that he wanted more, with someone whose life was disordered but it was those faults of Alicia's that made him head over heels.

Switching the sudden thought off, he dressed himself quickly and set out towards getting Grace to the hospital and back to her mother. He smiled as Grace took his hand with hers out of habit as they walked towards his car, the drive towards the hospital was short distanced and once he set Grace out of the car she grabbed his hand once again and skipped the rest of the distance, causing his smile to widen. She was a happy little creature when she wasn't surrounded by many people, especially when it came to just her and Alicia's quality time.

The moment they walked into the children's ward he could easily see Peter standing in the corner, talking on his phone in irritated voices, it wasn't that Will was frightened of Peter, but rather wary. Knowing that he was the states attorney and he had many connections throughout the district, he held many sway over important people, important people that held more power than Will could ever imagine. "Daddy!" Grace yelled grasping Peter's attention. He hung up on the phone whilst opening his arms as Grace ran into him.

Will watched as Grace quickly let go and ran the short distance towards Will, much to his astonishment, and took his hand rather forcefully pulling him along with her.

"Daddy, this is my new best friend Will"

Will had to retrain himself from laughing.

From the impact on her father's face it was obvious that Peter was just as surprised as Will was. But what took Will's attention the most was that Peter didn't seem to care of the fact that Will, was here, holding hands with his daughter but instead gestured a hand out to him.

"Will" he acknowledged with an indifferent nod and a firm handshake.

"Peter" he nodded

"Alicia told me you were with Grace last night, thanks, its means a lot but I'm sure we'll be fine from now on, you can go now" seeing the steadiness in Peter's voice, as if he weren't going drop the motion, Will overlooked it.

"No, I'm alright thanks, I might just stick around"

"No, I really think its best you leave…. You know, family only" he shrugged, clearly trying to hide the smug in his tone.

Trying to fight the urge to roll his eyes and the short comeback he was about to produce, he shook his head sternly. "Na, really, I'm fine, I'll just hang around"

"Do you really want to battle me on this?" Peter sounded calm

"Battle?" he questioned "Are we getting into some kind of fight here Mr States Attorney?"

"I wouldn't push the boundaries if I were you" Peter said, throwing an icy glare causing Will's eyes to widen in pure anger.

He felt all defences and fury drop though as he heard a soft voice call for him in the far room. "Will"

He turned to see Alicia standing near Zach's hospital room door, her face slightly flustered, obviously finished some type of argument with Peter. His face fell into a soft smile, watching as Grace ran into her mother's arms while Alicia placed soft kisses on her head before instructing her to keep her brother company. As soon as Grace was out of sight, they both slowly made their way to each other, not caring of the fact that there were other people surrounding them including her ex-husband. She hadn't wasted anytime in tipping up, cupping his face and sharing a chaste kiss against his lips before pulling away and gazing into his eyes with that same, adorable, loving smile he had witnessed so many times in the last two weeks.

"I'm glad you're here" she whispered

"Me too."

He hadn't missed a beat in the fact that her eyes never left his, until she was interrupted by something behind him. Following her gaze, he turned to see Peter walking towards them.

"The doctor says we can discharge Zach out this afternoon, I can take care of that if you want" Peter said, trying very hard to avoid the presence of the man currently standing next to his ex-wife.

"No, I think will be okay, I'll nurse Zach at home, it would be helpful if you could fill out the discharge papers, I've done it about five times and it's a little draining" she shrugged, meanwhile, Will quietly stood there with observation, noticing how the two seemed to be acting civil towards each other but the huge elephant in the room was near bursting point.

"Got it" Peter said, leaving no room for discussion, he walked back into the room leaving Will and Alicia alone. Taking the opportunity she sat down, exhaustion written all over her face and ran her hands through her hair, letting it all slip through her fingers as she had her head bent down

Sitting next to her he ran his hand softly against her skin. "Alicia" he delicately preserved, careful not to disturb the thoughts that were probably swirling around in her head.

Sitting up she gazed around the area, noticing that nobody seemed to be watching she faced him, throwing a hesitant smile before slowly, leaning over to his side, pushing her weight against him and setting her head against his shoulder. A little stunned by her sudden motion, he lifted his arm up for better access and let her breathe in the piece that seemed to radiate when they touched each other, every feeling, every connection of the skin made both of them feel like they were on cloud nine.

"Peter might be going to prison" she mumbled taking him completely off guard, he gazed down at her to see that there was no doubting it, even Peter Florrick's own wife knew that he was going to prison. Life just wasn't quietening down for the Florricks but rather, about to get ten times worse.

"For what?"

"Using office money for…. Personal reasons" Will didn't need to be a genius to connect the dots with that one.

"Chances are?"

She sighed "On a scale from one to ten, four"

"Ouch"

"Yeah"

"What about parole?"

"Well, his sentence period has to be ten months at least, but his attorneys are managing to lower it. I don't think he'll be holding the office anytime soon though, he's been forced to resign."

Will seemed speechless for a few seconds, he couldn't really imagine the states attorney's office without Peter Florrick. Sure, he was corrupt but he wasn't as bad as his nemesis Glen Childs, who was all thing's corrupt and crooked. Letting Alicia settle into his embrace he softly stroked her hair.

"It's going to be alright, everything is going to be alright"

"I don't know how I'm going to tell the kids" she mumbled

As he gazed down at her, he expected to see her on the verge of breaking down or ready to throw a few punches but instead he saw exhaustion, disgruntled, and it was alarmingly obvious that she was fed up, irritated with all the drama going on in her life right now.

"If you need anything…" he gestured off, watching as she gazed up at him through her long eyelashes. "I know" she smiled

"Do you need me to take you and the kids home? I can catch a taxi back.."

"Actually, uhh, Peter offered to take us, he's sleeping over the night" she said hesitantly, careful not to disturb his mind, failing miserably.

"Oh"

"Just so he can spend a little quality time with the kids, I don't trust Zach in Peter's apartment, he might go flying through a window or something" she tried to throw in some humour, but knew it was hopeless. Even if she didn't want to admit it, there was only one reason why the kids were staying at Alicia's place and not Peter's resulting in Peter having to stay overnight with them, the kids, Zach most likely insisted on being with his mother therefore Peter had no choice. Even though it was extremely childish, he smirked to himself inside.

"I understand" he said, honestly with a tender smile. "It's okay, he's their father after all"

He absorbed her sweet smile that spread across her features before she shifted her face to get better access and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. "For what it's worth, I really do appreciate everything you've done, especially last night Will, I honestly don't know what I would have done if you hadn't of taken Grace" she whispered in his ear

Leaning in, his lips brushed against her ear "How many times do I have to tell you? I love your kids, but I do have a few ideas that involve a sort of… thank you gift" he grinned

"Oh yeah?" she laughed

"Yeah, but I do think it's a little inappropriate for a children's atmosphere" he said, glancing around the area.

"Just a little?" she grinned causing him to chuckle and nod as a response.

"Well, how about we just start off with the basics and skip to the details later on?" she said quietly, as she began too lean forward and capture his lips into hers. It was certainly unexpected, considering they had just agreed the night before to confess to the open world about their recent relationship which brought him to his next question. Wasn't he the one that made the compromise last night? Insisting that he would only agree to notify their relationship under the condition that she would work at Lockhart Gardner, he knew it was naïve but he couldn't trail on the pathway that she was creating right now if he didn't have the full answers. Even though he wanted the world to know he was dating the magnificent Alicia Cavanaugh, and that he wanted to be a part of Zach and Grace's lives in which he really wanted to, he wanted his one desire to succeed in order to take that step –for lack of a better word.

Pulling away, he gazed into her slightly confused, and flushed face. Obviously noticing the curiousness in his features she spoke up. "What?"

"You said…. Last night, you wanted, us to become official?" –she nodded her head as a response, still confused as to where he was taking this.

"And I accepted under one circumstance right?"

"A circumstance in which I have yet consented with"

"So, therefore we don't have the obligation to make out in public when you haven't made a decision yet" he teased, standing up he gathered his belongings before placing a brief, kiss on her forehead. "Say hi to Zach for me, I'll call you later on" he smiled as she stared up at him bewildered, clearly, utterly confused to what just happened.

"Wait, what? You're leaving?"

"Yeah, Diane's going to slice my head off if I don't get in soon, I'll see you later" the content smile on his face suggested that his demeanour was calm and serene, whereas she was obviously the opposite. Waving goodbye he started to walk back towards the front doors of the hospital, causing Alicia to follow after him.

"Will! Wait!" she insisted, a little pissed at his latest behaviour.

Turning around, he smiled as she looked all flustered and confused, he had always wondered what the sight of Alicia Cavanaugh, jogging in heels after him with her face slightly red would look like.

"Okay, I don't know what's going on in your head Gardner but I'm still not sure why you don't want to make out with me" –she looked offended "Second of all, when did you get so mature? And what does my decision with moving to your firm have anything to do with our relationship?"

"It has everything to do with our relationship, because I can't agree with it if you're not coming to Lockhart Gardner, I know it's a lot of pressure but it's a beginning of a plan, and you said you wanted a plan"

"But Will, that doesn't make any sense, it's like emotional blackmail; you won't be with me if I won't come to your firm, ship my clients, my entire life so that I can work under you. That is pure emotional blackmail!"

"No. Alicia, you're not listening to me. I didn't say I won't be with you, I said that I wouldn't agree to open up about us to your children or anyone else outside of the family. I want you to work with me Alicia because you are good, you are damnwell good at your job, even Diane can see it. And if you and I want to do this, I want you to feel safe, not only with me but in the work environment and we both know you aren't getting that at Abbrot and Abbrams. Just come to Lockhart gardner Alicia, we need you and you need us" watching her as she took in his words, she scolded before folding her arms and glaring towards him. He always knew she had a tendency to over react, which was most appealing, but it also scared him.

He laughed at her current face "Is this our first argument?" he questioned

"I don't know, you tell me" she shrugged but before he could reply she interrupted. "I don't need anyone Will, I am perfectly capable of living in my own office, under my own roof thank you very much!" Realising his mistake, he placed his hands up in order to defend himself and took a step forward.

"I know that. That is not what I meant babe"

-"You are really digging yourself into a deeper whole here Will"

Shaking his head, defeated, he sighed before gazing up into her eyes, trying to convey every feeling and emotion that he was experiencing while also trying to get his point across. "I just want you to be happy Leesh" he finally said "And we both know you are not happy at your current firm. I see you at the end of the day, looking more exhausted than ever, with an expression of someone who's fought an internal war. This isn't about me or Diane or the firm, this is about you and I want us to work; if it's going to work, I don't want to see you miserable, I want to see you happy" he pouted, trying desperately to get her to change her demeanour towards him.

Succeeding as he watched a teasing smile spread across her features. "You don't have to look like I just killed your puppy Gardner" she laughed to herself causing his inner self to relax.

Leaning over he gently pulled her against his chest and slipped his arms around her waist whilst pressing his lips against hers. Feeling her arms slip around his neck as their tongues collided her hugged her closer to him, feeling all the conflict before them washing away, filled with a whole lot emotion and affection.

He knew, just by the way she touched him that she was feeling the same amount of emotion if not more. While their lips were pressed against each other, their bodies connected they hadn't noticed the taxi pull up in front of them and two, very amused adults step out, grasping their bags from the boot and standing before the couple whose minds were on cloud nine.

"Well, hello!" Owen called out through his wide, pleased looking grin.

Will and Alicia pulled away from each other's lips, their holds still firm on each other. Will alongside Alicia immediately tensed as they turned to the side to see her mother and Owen standing before them, surrounded by a pack of suitcases that obviously belonged to Veronica who wore a look of utter amusement and shock.

"Mom" she sighed, embarrassed before pulling away from Will, not missing a beat in entwining her hand with his which made his inner self smile. "Owen" she smiled "What are you doing here?"

"You called me last night, asked if I could come down and help you with the kids"

"Yes but, mom?" she questioned towards Veronica who just shrugged as her eyes were currently lingering over Will which made Alicia try to suppress the need to roll her eyes.

"Your brother called me and told me what happened. I wanted to see my grandchild while grabbing the chance to rip Jackie's head off. That bitch better stay away from my grandchildren or else" Will smiled at her words, the smile growing even wider as he felt Alicia shake her head in frustration, inwardly most likely praying for her mother not to use her lose tongue around the kids once she was around them.

"Mom, Owen, you remember Will?"

"How could we forget" the smiled on Veronica's features was irresistible. "It's nice to see you again Will"

"You too Veronica" he said with a firm handshake.

"Zach's on the children's floor, room five, I'm sure they'll all be happy to see you" Alicia said, clearly shrugging them off and out of sight.

Veronica smirked "Great, I can't wait to see Peter" she said, it was alarmingly obvious that she was being sarcastic in every motive, brushing past Will with a single wave goodbye she walked towards the main doors leaving the three of them alone.

"Oh sure mom, leave me out here to take care of the bags, I'm fine with that" Owen yelled out, ironically before facing his sister again, the both of them rolling their eyes at their mothers behaviour.

"I see you have gotten pretty close with my sister Will?" Owen smirked, trying to discard the urge to burst in laughter.

Alicia laughed, almost mockingly. "Nice try Owen, as much as you and mom would take pleasure in the situation, Will can't stay for long, he has to get to work, he has a life you know, and he was just saying goodbye"

"Goodbye huh?" Owen questioned "It seemed much more than just a goodbye but rather a hello!" he giggled causing Will to chuckle.

"I'm sorry for giving you and Veronica that scene first thing in the morning Owen, but Alicia was right, I was just about to leave"

"It's fine, don't mind me, I'll leave you to it." Laughing to himself as he grabbed the car keys off Alicia in which she slapped him in amusement he took the luggage towards Alicia's car leaving them alone once again.

"Look's like you got your week cut out for you huh?" he smirked

She sighed, shaking her head in frustration already. "Ugh, don't remind me. Having my mom stay with me is okay but my brother as well? It's going to be a nightmare" she groaned much to his satisfaction.

Glancing down at his watch he took in the time, propping his head up he smiled reassuringly. "I have to go"

Leaning forward, she placed her hands above his chest, gazing deeply into his eyes she moved forward and pressed her lips against his, it was chaste and fleeting but he knew it conveyed her one and only goodbye kiss and her hopes to see him soon.

"I'll call you tonight, see how you're doing" he said before pressing his lips against her forehead.

"Okay, I hope I can see you sometime this week?"

"Yes, more importantly with an answer" he didn't have to explain what he meant and by the way her eyes glazed over he knew his persistence was getting to her. Alicia was a stubborn woman, and he loved her endlessly for it, he never doubted it but when it came to them and the right timing that came along with a plan, it wasn't exactly elementary, which is why he had to be the one to remind her that in order to make things work in a good timing manner, persistence was the key.

"You are such a pain you know that?" she grinned leaning in to place another kiss against his lips she pulled away.

"I'll see you later" she winked

"Say hi to the kids for me"

"Will do" she flashed him a smile

"Oh and, just to recap you, I'm not done with my thank you gift and where we picked up this morning" she said, throwing him a small wink and a short giggle before turning her attention back to the inside of the building leaving his mind racing, and a smile playing on his lips.

He sighed in bliss, trying desperately to hide giggling foolishly to himself as he walked towards his car.